Self Expression & Self Concepts

Not Just "Another Sheep in a Herd"

by Destiny Lee

Normie, scene, grunge, kid-core, Y2K, western are just some of the many communities and aesthetics of young people today with many present at our own Pleasant Valley High School. As teens grow and navigate their own identities and values, the methods and outlets of self-expression for young people have diversified exponentially.

At Pleasant Valley High School, self-expression means more than just an aesthetic; it symbolizes individuality and content.

“ I don’t want to be another sheep in a herd,” said senior Alicia Costilla, “Self-expression to me is essentially an outlet to be myself [and] to be my own unique person.”

Adolescence is one of the most important times and flexible times for self-growth and self-discovery. With media-led youth pop culture paving the way to a wide range of communities, young people are now able to venture out of their comfort zones and experience diversity to the greatest extent. Some young people explore new possibilities, others take a blast to the past.

From goth to pinup, Costilla enjoys how unique and diverse the vintage subculture is. She uses makeup and fashion to express herself and her outfits reflect her love for throwbacks.

For senior Leo Torres, he breaks down the confining walls of expectations and puts less focus trying to fit in and more on exploring his interests and challenging himself.

“I feel like I'm a different person than I imagined to become in my beginning years [of high school],” Torres said, “At first, I was really into art like drawing and painting. Now, I'm more into sewing and crocheting and other things that don’t really seem interesting to [those that identify with] the male gender.”

"My Newest Project"

Photos by Leo Torres

After joining Colorguard, Torres felt displaced and felt that he didn’t fit in with the demands of the rigorous team. He began taking mental breaks in the library where he and Mrs.Sullins eventually began sewing together. Now, after two years, he’s making his own clothes, masks, and even crocheting baby blankets and beanies.

“I felt that I discovered all of this other extra stuff and this extra potential in me that I didn’t know about,” Torres said, “I uncovered this new part of myself.”

During COVID-19, Costilla was getting more time alone and her repressed feelings and emotions have since been able to surface. She shares that by focusing on herself, she had time to reflect on herself and heal through meditation.

Self-growth begins with coming back and taking care of yourself. Whether it means taking mental breaks in the library, trying new activities, or meditation, for many teens, self-expression marks the first step in accepting who you are and becoming comfortable in your own skin.

“It’s never too late to express yourself. It’s not going to bring you happiness or tranquility if you’re locking yourself up because it’s going to be very hard for you to know what’s going on with yourself,” remarked Torres, “Take your time but don’t wait until the last minute. Don’t underestimate yourself or limit yourself to things you think are impossible or possible to do.”